No matter how humble we try to be, I think it’s safe to say all of us have our moments. Ego can take over, and we feel some sense, some rush of something that feels like power. When that happens, we feel sort of big.

For the past three days, I’ve been in the midst of something much bigger than me. I’m not talking about the crowds, although they have been large.

I’m not talking about the security, although it has been, at times, overwhelming. And I’m not talking about the celebrity of this event, although it is evident throughout Manhattan.

I’m talking about the pure largesse of the history and spirituality enveloping, not only this event, but what Roman Catholics are confident is the living proof of Apostolic Succession. Ever since Jesus turned to Peter, who had run away the night of the crucifixion, and instead of saying “I told you so,” looked him in the eye and said, “Build my church,”

New York answers to many names: The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps, The Gateway to America and of course, the section of Manhattan known as the Great White Way.

No matter what you choose to call it, the former New Amsterdam is a marvelous place to spend time.

It’s fitting that Pope Benedict XVI chose to split his time between America’s capital and America’s largest city. He left Washington this morning, accomplishing much of what he set out to do.

Whether it was last night at dinner or this morning as I left the hotel – even at Reagan National Airport, there was a palatable energy most every direction you turned.

At the ballpark, he hit a home run. With the bishops he laid down the law.
Benedict charmed the president and England's prime minister. Members of Congress were in awe.

He encouraged educators. One told me this morning, “I remember every word and am ready to take this back to

Msgr. Tim O'Connor, pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, shares his thoughts about the pope's visit.

Shortly after the election of Pope Benedict XVI, I was asked by people who knew that I had followed Pope John Paul II closely over the years, what the difference between the two popes is.

After some reflection, I was able to answer the question with these words: People came to see Pope John Paul II, and people come to hear Pope Benedict XVI.

That is not to say that Pope John Paul II did not teach us anything. God knows the volumes we now own of his writings and his homilies.

But with thousands of others of all faiths, I came to Washington to both see and hear Pope Benedict XVI. So, what did I see, and what did I hear?

I saw a very humble and compassionate man – who before his election was considered by some as anything but compassionate – stand amidst reporters on his plane to America to

OK, call it coincidence if you want, but I'm not so sure.

In 1993, World Youth Day in Denver saw 10 days of sunshine. In 1999, I spent nine days in Rome as we were producing a documentary on the Vatican. Nine days – never saw a drop of rain.

Three years ago, another six days in The Eternal City covering John Paul II's funeral. Sunshine every day except the last hour of the funeral service.

Now, two days with Benedict XVI in Washington and again, perfect weather.

Whether or not it's a coincidence, or something no one could ever truly explain, it has been another marvelous assignment that, today, included another papal Mass.

This one was more special than the others.

Maybe my own maturity is at work here. Maybe it's the mood of the country regarding the Roman Catholic Church. Maybe it's because it's the first time I've seen Benedict XVI up close since Cardinal Ratzinger was elected.

No matter the reason,

This is historic.

People here in Washington, D.C., continue to work their way through the maze of tighter traffic and strict security.

But from my limited perspective, they don't seem to mind – too much.

The theme of Pope Benedict's visit is "a message of hope," and those we've talked with who have either seen Benedict XVI or heard his voice say they "believe it."

Earlier today, I spoke with several people from Raleigh and other parts of North Carolina who made the investment of time and energy and money to experience the papal visit.

They tell me they are in no way here "to worship the pope." "No," they insist, "we worship the risen Christ, but we are here to honor the man chosen to lead the Roman Catholic church."

It is rare for the Bishop of Rome to journey to the White House for an official state visit. The last was John Paul II in 1979, when President Carter